HOW TO SELL YOUR SOUL TO THE DEVIL

   

 What would you offer for the one thing you want more than anything else in the world?   Would you be willing to strike a deal with the devil?  Would you even know how?  

         Throughout history, accounts have been written about men and women who have struck a deal with the devil in order to attain their heart's desire.  

The Faustian Deal

           In the 1500's, Scientist Johann Faust was, arguably, the first to offer his soul for his craft, allegedly trading his soul for wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the pleasures of life. Faust became so identified with his deal with Satan, subsequent partnerships with the devil are referred to as Faustian Bargains.    

The Devil's Violinist

      Two Centuries later, Violinist Niccolo Paganini, purportedly sold his soul for fame and fortune.  Known as The Devil's Violinist, Paganini's audiences reported watching him continue to play on broken strings, without missing a single note, all while contorting his body into bizarre poses.  Paganini added fuel to his mystique when, as he lay dying, he chased away the priest called to perform last rights

Goin' Down to the Crossroads

      Perhaps, the most well known musician to have struck a deal with The Lord of the Flies, is legendary blues man, Robert Johnson, who supposedly met the devil at the Crossroads and made a deal for fame through musical talent. Johnson got his fame and became the founding member of the 27 Club, all the way back in the late 1930's.  Though he only recorded for about a year, many of Johnson's 29 songs had devilish themes.  

A Millennial Dark Horse

    If you have been on YouTube, you have undoubtedly seen the video clip of Katy Perry talking about her early efforts as a Christian musician.  Perry goes on to say, "I wanted to be the Amy Grant of music, but it didn't work out, so... I sold my soul to the devil."  There is no question her work is filled with occultic imagery, but did she really make the Faustian Bargain?

The Big Question

     I guess, the big question is, "Can I really sell my soul to the devil?" Can Satan actually own your soul?  I could sell you the Brooklyn bridge, but that does not make you the owner.  

      One of the many misconceptions about Satan is he is somehow the king of hell, ruling over an empire of ruined lives.  Scripture paints a very different picture of hell and Satan's final outcome.  Jesus tells us, hell is a lake of fire, a place of perpetual darkness and torment.  Contrary to popular folklore, Satan will not be ruling as a king, but burning as a prisoner.  Matthew 24:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  

Revelation 20:10 - And the devil, who had deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and of brimstone, ... and shall be tormented day and night forever.

      I wonder if Bon Scott of AC/DC is rethinking his erstwhile lyrics from Highway to Hell: "Going down, party time, all my friends are gonna be there too!" 

Only Two Camps

      Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25 there are really only 2 camps.  One camp of sheep, or true believers and one camp of goats, or those going to hell.  Nowhere do we see the goats making a pact with the devil, in fact, they try to convince Jesus they were with Him all along. 

     Jesus also famously stated. "Your are either for me or against me."  

     The idea of selling one's soul to the devil comes form the erroneous idea most people are inherently good and happily on their way to heaven, barring some egregious sin or doing something crazy like, say, selling their soul to the devil... 

     The reality is, people are inherently evil, thanks to the antics of Adam, Eve and a certain serpent, which took place in the Garden of Eden, 6000 years ago.  So the answer to how do you sell your soul to the devil is simple - DO NOTHING.  That's right, do nothing and you can one day join Satan in the fiery pit along with all the people who think they sold their souls for some fleeting moment of fame or power.  

       All kidding aside, the very true and sad reality is everyone is born estranged from God.  Jesus' words recorded in the Gospel of John inform us we must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus also stated, most emphatically, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by me."

         If you are looking for advice on how to sell your soul to Satan, you can stop your search because unless you are a born again follower of Jesus Christ, Satan already has your soul.  

The Good News

         Since Satan really has no biblical precedent for purchasing souls, even those who believe they have entered into an irreversible pact can be set free by the blood of Christ.  Jesus said there was only one unforgivable sin, and it ain't selling your soul.  If you think you have crossed some point of no return, you have not.  

   Take heart, the devil has no power beyond which God allows. Check out the first couple of chapters of Job.  Satan is a created being, God is the creator and master of creation. There is no need to fear the devil, nor is there any need to go to him to get what you want.  True satisfaction comes from serving God and living in obedience to His will. True satisfaction is found in Christ alone.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!